Jasus lalandii
Jasus lalandii (also called the Cape rock lobster or West Coast rock lobster) is a species of spiny lobster found off the coast of Southern Africa. It is not known whom the specific epithet lalandii commemorates, although it may be the French astronomer Jérôme Lalande.
Distribution
J. lalandii occurs in shallow waters from Cape Cross, Namibia to Algoa Bay, South Africa, straddling the Cape of Good Hope. It may be found as deep as 46 metres (150 ft) and is usually found on rocky bottoms.
Description
Larval forms
Larval forms
Left lateral view, small male
Left lateral view, small male
Dorsal view
Dorsal view
Orange to red-brown, with long antennae extending from the front of the head. Tail fan orange, blue and green. Thorax spiny. Eyes black and stalked.
Ecology
Generally found on rocky reefs, where it prefers the shelter of crevices. Often seen in groups with antennae protruding from the shelter. Swims backwards in emergencies using the tail., but generally crawls around on the reef. Feeds on mussels, urchins and barnacles, but also a scavenger. Predators include seals, sharks and large fish. Susceptible to low oxygen levels in the water which may cause mass strandings.
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